Independent band detection for network protection

ABSTRACT

Technology for a cellular signal booster operable to amplify cellular signals is disclosed. The cellular signal booster can include a downlink cellular signal path configured to amplify and filter a received downlink cellular signal in a plurality of selected bands. The downlink signal path can combine at least a first band and a second band in the plurality of selected bands. The cellular signal booster can include a controller operable to perform network protection by adjusting an uplink gain or noise power for at least one of a first band or a second band in an uplink signal path. The uplink gain or noise power can be adjusted for the first band in the uplink signal path or the second band in the uplink signal path using a signal strength associated with the received downlink cellular signal on the downlink cellular signal path.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/887,909, filed Feb. 2, 2018, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/453,904, filed Feb. 2, 2017and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/569,337,filed Oct. 6, 2017, the entire specifications of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Signal boosters and repeaters can be used to increase the quality ofwireless communication between a wireless device and a wirelesscommunication access point, such as a cell tower. Signal boosters canimprove the quality of the wireless communication by amplifying,filtering, and/or applying other processing techniques to uplink anddownlink signals communicated between the wireless device and thewireless communication access point.

As an example, the signal booster can receive, via an antenna, downlinksignals from the wireless communication access point. The signal boostercan amplify the downlink signal and then provide an amplified downlinksignal to the wireless device. In other words, the signal booster canact as a relay between the wireless device and the wirelesscommunication access point. As a result, the wireless device can receivea stronger signal from the wireless communication access point.Similarly, uplink signals from the wireless device (e.g., telephonecalls and other data) can be directed to the signal booster. The signalbooster can amplify the uplink signals before communicating, via anantenna, the uplink signals to the wireless communication access point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from thedetailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example,features of the disclosure; and, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a signal booster in communication with a wirelessdevice and a base station in accordance with an example;

FIG. 2A illustrates a signal booster operable to independently controluplink gains or noise powers for multiple bands in uplink signal pathsbased on control information detected from a downlink signal path thatcombines multiple bands in accordance with an example;

FIG. 2B illustrates a signal booster in accordance with an example;

FIG. 2C illustrates a signal booster in accordance with an example;

FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate a signal booster in accordance with an example;and

FIG. 6 illustrates a wireless device in accordance with an example.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, andspecific language will be used herein to describe the same. It willnevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that this invention is not limited to the particularstructures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but isextended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by thoseordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understoodthat terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describingparticular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. The samereference numerals in different drawings represent the same element.Numbers provided in flow charts and processes are provided for clarityin illustrating steps and operations and do not necessarily indicate aparticular order or sequence.

Example Embodiments

An initial overview of technology embodiments is provided below and thenspecific technology embodiments are described in further detail later.This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding thetechnology more quickly but is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the technology nor is it intended to limit thescope of the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary signal booster 120 in communication witha wireless device 110 and a base station 130. The signal booster 120 canbe referred to as a repeater. A repeater can be an electronic deviceused to amplify (or boost) signals. The signal booster 120 (alsoreferred to as a cellular signal amplifier) can improve the quality ofwireless communication by amplifying, filtering, and/or applying otherprocessing techniques via a signal amplifier 122 to uplink signalscommunicated from the wireless device 110 to the base station 130 and/ordownlink signals communicated from the base station 130 to the wirelessdevice 110. In other words, the signal booster 120 can amplify or boostuplink signals and/or downlink signals bi-directionally. In one example,the signal booster 120 can be at a fixed location, such as in a home oroffice. Alternatively, the signal booster 120 can be attached to amobile object, such as a vehicle or a wireless device 110.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 can include an integrateddevice antenna 124 (e.g., an inside antenna or a coupling antenna) andan integrated node antenna 126 (e.g., an outside antenna). Theintegrated node antenna 126 can receive the downlink signal from thebase station 130. The downlink signal can be provided to the signalamplifier 122 via a second coaxial cable 127 or other type of radiofrequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals.The signal amplifier 122 can include one or more cellular signalamplifiers for amplification and filtering. The downlink signal that hasbeen amplified and filtered can be provided to the integrated deviceantenna 124 via a first coaxial cable 125 or other type of radiofrequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals.The integrated device antenna 124 can wirelessly communicate thedownlink signal that has been amplified and filtered to the wirelessdevice 110.

Similarly, the integrated device antenna 124 can receive an uplinksignal from the wireless device 110. The uplink signal can be providedto the signal amplifier 122 via the first coaxial cable 125 or othertype of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radiofrequency signals. The signal amplifier 122 can include one or morecellular signal amplifiers for amplification and filtering. The uplinksignal that has been amplified and filtered can be provided to theintegrated node antenna 126 via the second coaxial cable 127 or othertype of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radiofrequency signals. The integrated device antenna 126 can communicate theuplink signal that has been amplified and filtered to the base station130.

In one example, the signal booster 120 can filter the uplink anddownlink signals using any suitable analog or digital filteringtechnology including, but not limited to, surface acoustic wave (SAW)filters, bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filters, film bulk acoustic resonator(FBAR) filters, ceramic filters, waveguide filters or low-temperatureco-fired ceramic (LTCC) filters.

In one example, the signal booster 120 can send uplink signals to a nodeand/or receive downlink signals from the node. The node can comprise awireless wide area network (WWAN) access point (AP), a base station(BS), an evolved Node B (eNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a remote radiohead (RRH), a remote radio equipment (RRE), a relay station (RS), aradio equipment (RE), a remote radio unit (RRU), a central processingmodule (CPM), or another type of WWAN access point.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 used to amplify the uplinkand/or a downlink signal is a handheld booster. The handheld booster canbe implemented in a sleeve of the wireless device 110. The wirelessdevice sleeve can be attached to the wireless device 110, but can beremoved as needed. In this configuration, the signal booster 120 canautomatically power down or cease amplification when the wireless device110 approaches a particular base station. In other words, the signalbooster 120 can determine to stop performing signal amplification whenthe quality of uplink and/or downlink signals is above a definedthreshold based on a location of the wireless device 110 in relation tothe base station 130.

In one example, the signal booster 120 can include a battery to providepower to various components, such as the signal amplifier 122, theintegrated device antenna 124 and the integrated node antenna 126. Thebattery can also power the wireless device 110 (e.g., phone or tablet).Alternatively, the signal booster 120 can receive power from thewireless device 110.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 can be a FederalCommunications Commission (FCC)-compatible consumer signal booster. As anon-limiting example, the signal booster 120 can be compatible with FCCPart 20 or 47 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Part 20.21 (Mar. 21,2013). In addition, the signal booster 120 can operate on thefrequencies used for the provision of subscriber-based services underparts 22 (Cellular), 24 (Broadband PCS), 27 (AWS-1, 700 MHz Lower A-EBlocks, and 700 MHz Upper C Block), and 90 (Specialized Mobile Radio) of47 C.F.R. The signal booster 120 can be configured to automaticallyself-monitor its operation to ensure compliance with applicable noiseand gain limits. The signal booster 120 can either self-correct or shutdown automatically if the signal booster's operations violate theregulations defined in FCC Part 20.21.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 can improve the wirelessconnection between the wireless device 110 and the base station 130(e.g., cell tower) or another type of wireless wide area network (WWAN)access point (AP). The signal booster 120 can boost signals for cellularstandards, such as the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) LongTerm Evolution (LTE) Release 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 standards orInstitute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.16. In oneconfiguration, the signal booster 120 can boost signals for 3GPP LTERelease 13.0.0 (March 2016) or other desired releases. The signalbooster 120 can boost signals from the 3GPP Technical Specification36.101 (Release 12 Jun. 2015) bands or LTE frequency bands. For example,the signal booster 120 can boost signals from the LTE frequency bands:2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, and 25. In addition, the signal booster 120 canboost selected frequency bands based on the country or region in whichthe signal booster is used, including any of bands 1-70 or other bands,as disclosed in ETSI TS136 104 V13.5.0 (2016-10).

The number of LTE frequency bands and the level of signal improvementcan vary based on a particular wireless device, cellular node, orlocation. Additional domestic and international frequencies can also beincluded to offer increased functionality. Selected models of the signalbooster 120 can be configured to operate with selected frequency bandsbased on the location of use. In another example, the signal booster 120can automatically sense from the wireless device 110 or base station 130(or GPS, etc.) which frequencies are used, which can be a benefit forinternational travelers.

In one example, the integrated device antenna 124 and the integratednode antenna 126 can be comprised of a single antenna, an antenna array,or have a telescoping form-factor. In another example, the integrateddevice antenna 124 and the integrated node antenna 126 can be amicrochip antenna. An example of a microchip antenna is AMMAL001. In yetanother example, the integrated device antenna 124 and the integratednode antenna 126 can be a printed circuit board (PCB) antenna. Anexample of a PCB antenna is TE 2118310-1.

In one example, the integrated device antenna 124 can receive uplink(UL) signals from the wireless device 110 and transmit DL signals to thewireless device 110 using a single antenna. Alternatively, theintegrated device antenna 124 can receive UL signals from the wirelessdevice 110 using a dedicated UL antenna, and the integrated deviceantenna 124 can transmit DL signals to the wireless device 110 using adedicated DL antenna.

In one example, the integrated device antenna 124 can communicate withthe wireless device 110 using near field communication. Alternatively,the integrated device antenna 124 can communicate with the wirelessdevice 110 using far field communication.

In one example, the integrated node antenna 126 can receive downlink(DL) signals from the base station 130 and transmit uplink (UL) signalsto the base station 130 via a single antenna. Alternatively, theintegrated node antenna 126 can receive DL signals from the base station130 using a dedicated DL antenna, and the integrated node antenna 126can transmit UL signals to the base station 130 using a dedicated ULantenna.

In one configuration, multiple signal boosters can be used to amplify ULand DL signals. For example, a first signal booster can be used toamplify UL signals and a second signal booster can be used to amplify DLsignals. In addition, different signal boosters can be used to amplifydifferent frequency ranges.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 can be configured toidentify when the wireless device 110 receives a relatively strongdownlink signal. An example of a strong downlink signal can be adownlink signal with a signal strength greater than approximately −80dBm. The signal booster 120 can be configured to automatically turn offselected features, such as amplification, to conserve battery life. Whenthe signal booster 120 senses that the wireless device 110 is receivinga relatively weak downlink signal, the integrated booster can beconfigured to provide amplification of the downlink signal. An exampleof a weak downlink signal can be a downlink signal with a signalstrength less than −80 dBm.

In one example, the signal booster 120 can also include one or more of:a waterproof casing, a shock absorbent casing, a flip-cover, a wallet,or extra memory storage for the wireless device. In one example, extramemory storage can be achieved with a direct connection between thesignal booster 120 and the wireless device 110. In another example,Near-Field Communications (NFC), Bluetooth v4.0, Bluetooth Low Energy,Bluetooth v4.1, Bluetooth v4.2, Bluetooth 5, Ultra High Frequency (UHF),3GPP LTE, Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE)802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, orIEEE 802.11ad can be used to couple the signal booster 120 with thewireless device 110 to enable data from the wireless device 110 to becommunicated to and stored in the extra memory storage that isintegrated in the signal booster 120. Alternatively, a connector can beused to connect the wireless device 110 to the extra memory storage.

In one example, the signal booster 120 can include photovoltaic cells orsolar panels as a technique of charging the integrated battery and/or abattery of the wireless device 110. In another example, the signalbooster 120 can be configured to communicate directly with otherwireless devices with signal boosters. In one example, the integratednode antenna 126 can communicate over Very High Frequency (VHF)communications directly with integrated node antennas of other signalboosters. The signal booster 120 can be configured to communicate withthe wireless device 110 through a direct connection, Near-FieldCommunications (NFC), Bluetooth v4.0, Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetoothv4.1, Bluetooth v4.2, Ultra High Frequency (UHF), 3GPP LTE, Institute ofElectronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ad, a TV White SpaceBand (TVWS), or any other industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radioband. Examples of such ISM bands include 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5GHz, or 5.9 GHz. This configuration can allow data to pass at high ratesbetween multiple wireless devices with signal boosters. Thisconfiguration can also allow users to send text messages, initiate phonecalls, and engage in video communications between wireless devices withsignal boosters. In one example, the integrated node antenna 126 can beconfigured to couple to the wireless device 110. In other words,communications between the integrated node antenna 126 and the wirelessdevice 110 can bypass the integrated booster.

In another example, a separate VHF node antenna can be configured tocommunicate over VHF communications directly with separate VHF nodeantennas of other signal boosters. This configuration can allow theintegrated node antenna 126 to be used for simultaneous cellularcommunications. The separate VHF node antenna can be configured tocommunicate with the wireless device 110 through a direct connection,Near-Field Communications (NFC), Bluetooth v4.0, Bluetooth Low Energy,Bluetooth v4.1, Bluetooth v4.2, Ultra High Frequency (UHF), 3GPP LTE,Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a, IEEE802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ad, a TVWhite Space Band (TVWS), or any other industrial, scientific and medical(ISM) radio band.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 can be configured forsatellite communication. In one example, the integrated node antenna 126can be configured to act as a satellite communication antenna. Inanother example, a separate node antenna can be used for satellitecommunications. The signal booster 120 can extend the range of coverageof the wireless device 110 configured for satellite communication. Theintegrated node antenna 126 can receive downlink signals from satellitecommunications for the wireless device 110. The signal booster 120 canfilter and amplify the downlink signals from the satellitecommunication. In another example, during satellite communications, thewireless device 110 can be configured to couple to the signal booster120 via a direct connection or an ISM radio band. Examples of such ISMbands include 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5 GHz, or 5.9 GHz.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary signal booster 200. The signal booster200 can include one or more uplink signal paths for selected bands, andthe signal booster 200 can include one or more downlink signal paths forselected bands. The uplink signal paths can include one or moreamplifiers and band pass filters to amplify uplink signals. Similarly,the downlink signal paths can include one or more amplifiers and bandpass filters to amplify downlink signals.

In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the signal booster 200 can have a firstuplink signal path for band 12 (B12) and a second uplink signal path forB13. In uplink, B12 corresponds to a frequency range of 699 megahertz(MHz) to 716 MHz, and B13 corresponds to a frequency range of 777 MHz to787 MHz. In addition, in this example, the signal booster 200 can have adownlink signal path for both B12 and B13. In other words, the downlinksignal path can be a combined downlink signal path for both B12 and B13.In downlink, B12 corresponds to a frequency range of 729 MHz to 746 MHz,and B13 corresponds to a frequency range of 746 MHz to 756 MHz. In thedownlink, B12 and B13 are spectrally adjacent to each other.

In one example, the signal booster 200 can receive uplink signals from amobile device (not shown) via an inside antenna 202 coupled to thesignal booster 200. An uplink signal can pass through a first multibandfilter 212, and then the uplink signal can be provided to the firstuplink signal path for B12 or the second uplink signal path for B13. Thefirst and second uplink signal paths can perform amplification andfiltering of the uplink signal. The uplink signal can be provided to asecond multiband filter 214, and then the uplink signal can be providedto a base station (not shown) via an outside antenna 204 coupled to thesignal booster 200.

In another example, the signal booster 200 can receive downlink signalsfrom the base station via the outside antenna 204. A downlink signal canpass through the second multiband filter 214, and then the downlinksignal can be provided to the combined downlink signal path for both B12and B13. The combined downlink signal path can perform amplification andfiltering of the downlink signal. The downlink signal can be provided tothe first multiband filter 212, and then the downlink signal can beprovided to the mobile device via the inside antenna 202.

In one configuration, the signal booster 200 can include a controller210. Generally speaking, the controller 210 can be configured to performnetwork protection for the signal booster 200. The controller 210 canperform network protection in accordance with Part 20 of the FederalCommunications Commission (FCC) Consumer Booster Rules. The FCC ConsumerBooster Rules necessitate that uplink signal paths and downlink signalare to work together for network protection. Network protection can beperformed in order to protect a cellular network from overload or noisefloor increase. The controller 210 can perform network protection byadjusting a gain or noise power for each band in the uplink transmissionpaths based on control information from each band in the downlinktransmission paths. The control information from each band in thedownlink transmission paths can include a received signal strengthindication (RSSI) associated with downlink received signals. In otherwords, based on the RSSI of the downlink received signals traveling onthe downlink transmission paths, the controller 210 can adjust (i.e.,increase or decrease) the gain or noise power for the uplinktransmission paths. By adjusting the gain or noise floor when performingthe network protection, the signal booster 200 can prevent the network(e.g., base stations) from becoming overloaded with uplink signals fromthe signal booster 200 that exceed a defined threshold.

In traditional signal boosters, uplink signal paths can be separate forB12 and B13, while a combined downlink signal path can exist for B12 andB13. In other words, all the power from B12 and B13 in downlink can movethrough the combined downlink signal path. Since B12 and B13 arecombined in the downlink, in traditional signal boosters, the network isprotected based on an extra strong downlink signal since the uplink gainor noise floor is adjusted based on the combined power of downlinkreceived signals for B12 and B13. In traditional signal boosters, theuplink gain or noise floor for B12 can be adjusted based on the combinedpower of downlink received signals for B12 and B13, and similarly, theuplink gain or noise floor for B13 can be adjusted based on the combinedpower of downlink received signals for B12 and B13. As a result, theadjustment to the uplink gain or noise floor for B12 and B13 may notactually be reflective of the power associated with the downlinkreceived signals.

In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the controller 210 can separatelydetect the control information (e.g., RSSI) for downlink receivedsignals with respect to B12 and B13. In other words, the signal booster200 can detect control information that pertains only to downlinkreceived signals for B12. Similarly, the signal booster 200 can detectcontrol information that pertains only to downlink received signals forB13. The controller 210 can adjust the uplink gain or noise floor forB12 based only on the control information for the downlink receivedsignals on B12. Similarly, the controller 210 can adjust the uplink gainor noise floor for B13 based only on the control information for thedownlink received signals on B13. In other words, the uplink gain ornoise power for B12 can be controlled independent of the uplink gain ornoise power for B13.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A, the signal booster 200 caninclude a switchable B12 downlink band pass filter 216, a switchable B13downlink bandpass filter 218, and a signal detector 206. The switchableB12 downlink bandpass filter 216 and the switchable B13 downlinkbandpass filter 218 can be switched in and out, such that downlinkreceived signals for B12 can be provided to the signal detector 206 ordownlink received signals for B13 can be provided to the signal detector206. The signal detector 206 can be a log detector (e.g., a diode), andthe signal detector 206 can detect the control information (e.g., RSSI)associated with the downlink received signals for B12 or the downlinkreceived signals for B13. In other words, the switchable B12 downlinkband pass filter 216 and the switchable B13 downlink bandpass filter 218can enable the signal detector 206 to separately detect the controlinformation for downlink received signals for B12 and B13. The signaldetector 206 can provide the control information to the controller 210.Based only on the control information for downlink received signals forB12, the controller 210 can adjust the uplink gain or noise floor forB12. Similarly, based only on the control information for downlinkreceived signals for B13, the controller 210 can adjust the uplink gainor noise floor for B13.

In general, using the signal detector 206, the controller 210 can detectsingle downlink bands while multiple downlink bands are passing througha common downlink signal path. With respect to the specific exampleshown in FIG. 2A, the controller 210 can perform independent detectionof control information for B12 and B13, even though the signal booster200 has a combined downlink signal path for B12 and B13.

In an alternative configuration, the signal booster 200 can include afirst signal detector and a second signal detector. The first signaldetector can detect control information (e.g., RSSI) associated with areceived downlink signal for B12. The second signal detector can detectcontrol information (e.g., RSSI) associated with a received downlinksignal for B13. Therefore, in this configuration, separate signaldetectors can be utilized to detect the control information for themultiple bands.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary signal booster 200. The signal booster200 can include one or more uplink signal paths for selected bands, andthe signal booster 200 can include one or more downlink signal paths forselected bands. The uplink signal paths can include one or moreamplifiers and band pass filters to amplify uplink signals. Similarly,the downlink signal paths can include one or more amplifiers and bandpass filters to amplify downlink signals. In addition, the signalbooster 200 can include a controller 210 that is configured to performnetwork protection for the signal booster 200.

In one configuration, a downlink signal path can include a signaldetector 220. The signal detector 220 can be positioned after anamplifier in the downlink signal path, but prior to switchable B12 orB13 downlink band pass filters 216, 218 in the downlink signal path. Thesignal detector 220 can measure a power level of a downlink signal thatis traveling on the downlink signal path. The power level of the signalcan be utilized to perform automatic gain control (AGC) and to maintainlinearity for downlink signals.

In one configuration, the signal booster 200 can include a downlinksignal path that directs a downlink signal in a first band to aswitchable bandpass filter associated with a second band when a powerlevel of the downlink signal is greater than a defined threshold. Theswitchable bandpass filter can cause a reduction in the power level ofthe downlink signal, which can avoid a performance of automatic gaincontrol (AGC) for the first band. As an example, the signal booster 200can include a downlink signal path that directs a downlink signal in B12to a switchable bandpass filter 218 associated with B13 when a powerlevel associated with the downlink signal in B12 is greater than thedefined threshold. The switchable bandpass filter 218 associated withB13 can reduce the power level of the downlink signal, and as a result,the signal booster 200 may not perform AGC for B12.

FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary signal booster 200. The signal booster200 can include one or more uplink signal paths for selected bands, andthe signal booster 200 can include one or more downlink signal paths forselected bands. The uplink signal paths can include one or moreamplifiers and band pass filters to amplify uplink signals. Similarly,the downlink signal paths can include one or more amplifiers and bandpass filters to amplify downlink signals. In addition, the signalbooster 200 can include a controller 210 that is configured to performnetwork protection for the signal booster 200.

In one configuration, a downlink signal path can include a signaldetector 206. More specifically, the downlink signal path can include apass through signal path 222 to the signal detector 206. The passthrough signal path 222 can bypass switchable B12 and B13 downlink bandpass filters 216, 218 in the downlink signal path. The signal detector206 can measure a signal power level for the pass through signal path222. The signal power level can be utilized to perform automatic gaincontrol (AGC) and to maintain linearity for downlink signals.

In one example, a downlink signal for B12 can be directed to the signaldetector 206 via the switchable B12 bandpass filter 216. The signaldetector 206 can measure a power level of the downlink signal for B12.Depending on the power level in relation to a defined threshold, thecontroller 210 can perform network protection for an uplink signal pathfor B12. In another example, a downlink signal for B13 can be directedto the signal detector 206 via the switchable B13 bandpass filter 218.The signal detector 206 can measure a power level of the downlink signalfor B13. Depending on the power level in relation to a definedthreshold, the controller 210 can perform network protection for anuplink signal path for B13. In some cases, the downlink signal for B12or B13 may not be directed to the switchable B12 bandpass filter 216 orthe switchable B13 bandpass filter 218. Rather, the downlink signal canbe provided directly to the signal detector 206 via the pass throughsignal path 222.

In one configuration, a signal booster (or repeater) can employ asingle-input single-output (SISO) and/or double-input single-output(DISO) filtering architecture, which can allow multiple bands to share asame radio frequency (RF) path (e.g., B12 and B13 can share a sameuplink path, or B12 and B13 can share a same downlink path), therebyreducing the number of components and the cost of the signal booster.However, when multiple bands share the same RF path, the performance ofthe signal booster can degrade. This reduction in performance can occurbecause every band sharing the same RF path is automatic gain controlledat a lowest automatic gain control (AGC) value between the multiplebands. In other words, the multiple bands on the same RF path can alluse a lowest AGC value between the multiple bands. A band that isautomatic gain controlled before its actual or true AGC value is reachedcan output less power as compared to a maximum potential for that band.

In one configuration, varying architectures can be employed in signalboosters to enable band/frequency-specific detection from a sharedsignal chain. In a first architecture, a diplexer can be used toseparate bands in the signal booster. For example, a diplexer can beused to separate band 5 (B5) from B12 and B13. The diplexer can bepositioned before a detector in the signal booster. In thisarchitecture, a detector sensitivity can be adjusted for B5 separatelyfrom B12 and B13. In this example, B12 and B13 can be automatic gaincontrolled at different values as compared to an AGC value for B5. Thisarchitecture can be employed for any combination of bands sharing thesame RF path, with correct filtering before the detector, and variationsof pickup resistor values in series with those filters. In a secondarchitecture, an RF switch can be employed in the signal booster. The RFswitch can allow switching between RF paths containing bandpass filtersfor each band sharing the RF path.

In a third architecture, as described in further detail below, ratherthan using an RF switch, the signal booster can include multiple tappoints off of the signal chain, which can enable band/frequency-specificdetection from the signal chain. This architecture is not limited to theSISO architecture implementation, and can be applicable to any signalchain that passes multiple frequencies. The elimination of the RF switchin the third architecture can decrease complexity and cost of the signalbooster.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary signal booster 300 (or repeater). Thesignal booster 300 can include a first multiband filter 312 and a secondmultiband filter 314. The first multiband filter 312 can becommunicatively coupled to an inside antenna 302, and the secondmultiband filter 314 can be communicatively coupled to an outsideantenna 304. The signal booster 300 can include an uplink (UL) signalpath communicatively coupled between the first multiband filter 312 andthe second multiband filter 314. The signal booster 300 can include adownlink (DL) signal path communicatively coupled between the firstmultiband filter 312 and the second multiband filter 314. The UL signalpath can include one or more amplifiers and filters. For example, the ULsignal path can include a low noise amplifier (LNA), 316 a filter 318(e.g., a SISO filter) and a power amplifier (PA) 326. Similarly, the DLsignal path can include one or more amplifiers and filters. For example,the DL signal path can include a LNA 330, a filter 332 (e.g., a SISOfilter) and a PA 334.

In one example, the UL signal path and/or the DL signal path can becommunicatively coupled to multiple tap paths. For example, as shown,the UL signal path can be communicatively coupled to a first tap pathand a second tap path. The first tap path can include a first resistor(R1) 320 and the second tap path can include a second resistor (R2) 322.The first tap path and the second tap path can be communicativelycoupled to a filter 324 (e.g., a DISO filter), and the filter 324 can becommunicatively coupled to a signal detector 328. In one example, the DLsignal path can be communicatively coupled to a separate first tap path,a separate second tap path, a separate filter and a separate signaldetector, similar to the UL signal path.

In one example, an uplink signal can be received at the inside antenna302. The uplink signal can travel to the first multiband filter 312, andthe uplink signal can be directed to the uplink signal path. The uplinksignal can pass through the LNA 316 and the filter 318. Then, the uplinksignal can be provided to the first tap path and the second tap path,and then through the filter 324. At this point, a power level of theuplink signal passing through the filter 324 can be detected at thesignal detector 328.

In some cases, signals in one band of the uplink signal path can enterthe signal detector 328 at a different level (e.g., a higher or lowerpower level) as compared to another band of the uplink signal path. Forexample, signals in B12 can enter the signal detector 328 at a higherdecibel (dB) level as compared to signals in B13 that enter the signaldetector 328, or vice versa.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the first tap path and the second tappath can function to level out detected power level differences (ordetection variances) between the different bands in the UL signal path.For example, a value of R1 320 and a value of R2 322 can be physicallyadjusted, such that if one band is stronger than the other band, thevalue of R1 320 and the value of R2 322 can be adjusted to balance outthe power levels between the two bands in the UL signal path. As anexample, if signals in B12 are stronger (i.e., have a higher dB value)as compared to signals in B13, the value of R1 320 and the value of R2322 can be adjusted higher or lower, respectively. The signals can passthrough the filter 324, which can include a B12 filter and a B13 filter.As a result, both B12 and B13 can use a same AGC value. In other words,the value of R1 320 and the value of R2 322 can be adjusted such thatboth B12 and B13 react to a same AGC value, even when signals in B12 arereceived at a higher power level as compared to signals in B13, or viceversa.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the signal booster 300 may be unable toperform band/frequency-specific detection. For example, the signalbooster 300 may be unable to distinguish signals in B12 from signals inB13. However, the value of R1 320 and the value of R2 322 can beadjusted such that both B12 and B13 react to a same AGC value, even whensignals in B12 are received at a higher power level as compared tosignals in B13, or vice versa.

Generally speaking, signal boosters can utilize an AGC value orthreshold. When an input signal exceeds the AGC value or threshold, thesignal booster can perform AGC, shut off, perform an oscillationdetection, etc. In one example, signal boosters that employ a SISOarchitecture can sometimes have signals in one band that are receivedwith a higher power level (e.g., one or two or three dB higher) ascompared to signals that are received in another band. This differencein power levels can be significant to the signal booster, especiallywith respect to uplink output power. It is desirable to maximize theuplink output power, and a maximum uplink output power may not beachieved when there is a detection variance or imbalance betweendifferent bands in signal path(s) of the signal booster.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, it is advantageous to include the firstand second tap paths (with the first and second resistance values,respectively) to level out detection variances between different bandsin the signal path(s) of the signal booster 300.

In one example, the signal booster 300 can employ uplink AGC and/ordownlink AGC. For example, the signal booster 300 can employ the firsttap path and the second tap path in the UL signal path to detect a powerlevel of an uplink signal, and the signal booster 300 can perform theuplink AGC based on a detected power level of the uplink signal. Thesignal booster 300 can perform the uplink AGC to maintain a linearity ofthe UL signal path and/or to maximize an uplink output power. In anotherexample, the signal booster 300 can employ a first tap path and a secondtap path in the DL signal path to detect a power level of a downlinksignal, and the signal booster 300 can perform the uplink AGC based on adetected power level of the downlink signal. The signal booster 300 canperform the uplink AGC for network protection received signal strengthindication (RSSI) levels. In other words, if a power level of thedownlink signal exceeds a threshold, the signal booster 300 can performthe uplink AGC to adjust (e.g., increase or decrease) a gain of theuplink signal path to protect the network.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary signal booster 400 (or repeater). Thesignal booster 400 can include a first multiband filter 412 and a secondmultiband filter 414. The first multiband filter 412 can becommunicatively coupled to an inside antenna 402, and the secondmultiband filter 414 can be communicatively coupled to an outsideantenna 404. The signal booster 400 can include an uplink (UL) signalpath communicatively coupled between the first multiband filter 412 andthe second multiband filter 414. For example, the UL signal path can bea B12-13 UL signal path. The signal booster 400 can include a downlink(DL) signal path communicatively coupled between the first multibandfilter 412 and the second multiband filter 414. For example, the DLsignal path can be a B12-13 DL signal path. The UL signal path caninclude one or more amplifiers and filters, such as a low noiseamplifier (LNA) 416, a filter 418 (e.g., a SISO filter) and a poweramplifier (PA) 428. Similarly, the DL signal path can include one ormore amplifiers and filters, such as an LNA 430, a filter 432 (e.g., aSISO filter) and a PA 434.

In one example, the UL signal path and/or the DL signal path can becommunicatively coupled to multiple tap paths. For example, as shown,the UL signal path can be communicatively coupled to a first tap pathand a second tap path. The first tap path can include a first resistor(R1) 420 and the second tap path can include a second resistor (R2) 426.The first tap path can include a filter 422 (e.g., a SISO filter). Forexample, the filter 422 can be a B12 UL filter. In this example, thefirst tap path can be a filtered path and the second tap path can be anunfiltered path. The first tap path and the second tap path can beswitchably connected to a signal detector 424. In other words, thesignal detector 424 can be connected to either the first tap path or thesecond tap path via a switch. In one example, the DL signal path can becommunicatively coupled to a separate first tap path, a separate secondtap path, and a separate signal detector, similar to the UL signal path.

In one example, an uplink signal can be received at the inside antenna402. The uplink signal can travel to the first multiband filter 412, andthe uplink signal can be directed to the uplink signal path (e.g., theB12-13 UL signal path). The uplink signal can pass through the LNA 416and the filter 418. Then, the uplink signal can be provided to the firsttap path and the second tap path. Depending on a position of the switch,an uplink signal traveling on the first tap path or an uplink signaltraveling on the second tap path can be provided to the signal detector424. The signal detector 424 can detect a power level of the receiveduplink signal.

In one example, the UL signal path can be a B12-13 UL signal path, andthe first tap path and the second tap path can function to achieve aleveling of detection variances between the two bands, as well asband-specific detection (i.e., an ability to distinguish signals in B12as opposed to signals in B13). In one example, a value of R1 420 and avalue of R2 426 can be physically adjusted (or digitally changed tomaximize flexibility), such that if B12 is stronger than B13, or viceversa, the value of R1 420 and the value of R2 422 can be adjusted tobalance out detected power levels between B12 and B13 in the UL signalpath. In addition, when the switch is on the first tap path (i.e., thefiltered path), a B12 uplink signal can pass through the filter 422(i.e., the B12 UL filter), and a power level of the B12 uplink signalcan be detected at the signal detector 424. When the switch is on thesecond tap path (i.e., the unfiltered path), a B12 uplink signal can bedirected through the second tap path, and a power level of the B12uplink signal can be detected at the signal detector 424. On the otherhand, when the switch is on the first tap path (i.e., the filteredpath), a B13 uplink signal can be filtered by the filter 422 (i.e., theB12 UL filter), and no or a minimal signal can be detected at the signaldetector 424. When the switch is on the second tap path (i.e., theunfiltered path), a B13 uplink signal can be directed through the secondtap path, and a power level of the B13 uplink signal can be detected atthe signal detector 424. Therefore, depending on whether the switch ison the first tap path or the second tap path and whether the uplinksignal is a B12 uplink signal or a B13 uplink signal, the signaldetector 424 can perform band-specific detection. In other words, thesignal detector 424 can distinguish between signals in B12 versussignals in B13. In addition, since separate band detection is achievedusing the first tap path and the second tap path, the signal booster 300can set two different AGC values or thresholds. For example, the signalbooster 300 can set a first AGC value or threshold for B12, and thesignal booster 300 can set a second AGC value or threshold for B13.

In one configuration, the signal booster 400 can utilize one or moreduplexers, diplexers, multiplexers, SISO filters and/or DISO filters toenable band-specific detection. The signal booster 400 can utilize thefirst tap path and the second tap path (and the respective resistors andfilter(s) to enable increased performance for SISO or sharedfrequency/band signal chains.

In one configuration, the first tap path and the second tap path canutilize resistors. Alternatively, the first tap path and the second tappath can utilize couplers, capacitors, or other signal tappingtechniques. In other words, in addition to using resistors as taps for adetector signal path, capacitors or couplers can be utilized as analternative.

In one configuration, the signal booster 400 can include a signal path(e.g., an UL signal path or a DL signal path) that direct signals in twoor more spectrally adjacent or non-spectrally adjacent bands (e.g., B12and B13). The signal booster 400 can include a first impedance in afirst tap path (e.g., a filtered path that includes a bandpass filter)with a first impedance value or a first coupling factor selected toprovide a first selected voltage at the signal detector 424 to set afirst AGC level for B12. Similarly, the signal booster 400 can include asecond impedance in a second tap path (e.g., an unfiltered path) with asecond impedance value or a second coupling factor selected to provide asecond selected voltage at the signal detector 424 to set a second AGClevel for B13. The signal detector 424 can be switchably connected tothe first tap path and the second tap path to enable separate banddetection for B12 and B13, respectively. In addition, the firstimpedance value or the first coupling factor and the second impedancevalue or the second coupling factor can be adjusted to level a detectionvariance with respect to detected power levels between signals receivedin B12 as compared to B13 in the signal path.

In one configuration, the signal booster 400 can include a controller440. The controller 440 can adjust a gain for a defined band (e.g., B12or B13) of the signal path for network protection depending on an inputor output signal level. In addition, the controller 440 can adjust again for a defined band (e.g., B12 or B13) of the signal path tomaintain linearity for the signal path depending on an input or outputsignal level.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary signal booster 500 (or repeater). Thesignal booster 500 can include a first multiband filter 512 and a secondmultiband filter 514. The first multiband filter 512 can becommunicatively coupled to an inside antenna 502, and the secondmultiband filter 514 can be communicatively coupled to an outsideantenna 504. The signal booster 500 can include an uplink (UL) signalpath communicatively coupled between the first multiband filter 512 andthe second multiband filter 514. For example, the UL signal path can bea B12-13 UL signal path. The signal booster 500 can include a downlink(DL) signal path communicatively coupled between the first multibandfilter 512 and the second multiband filter 514. For example, the DLsignal path can be a B12-13 DL signal path. The UL signal path caninclude one or more amplifiers and filters, such as a low noiseamplifier (LNA) 516, a filter 518 (e.g., a SISO filter) and a poweramplifier (PA) 528. Similarly, the DL signal path can include one ormore amplifiers and filters, such as an LNA 530, a filter 532 (e.g., aSISO filter) and a PA 534.

In one example, the UL signal path and/or the DL signal path can becommunicatively coupled to multiple tap paths. For example, as shown,the UL signal path can be switchably connected to a first tap path and asecond tap path. The first tap path can include a first resistor (R1)520 and the second tap path can include a second resistor (R2) 526. Thefirst tap path can include a filter 522 (e.g., a SISO filter). Forexample, the filter 522 can be a B12 UL filter. In this example, thefirst tap path can be a filtered path and the second tap path can be anunfiltered path. The first tap path and the second tap path can beswitchably connected to a signal detector 524. In other words, thesignal detector 524 can be connected to either the first tap path or thesecond tap path via a switch. In one example, the DL signal path can beswitchably connected to a separate first tap path, a separate second tappath, and a separate signal detector (which is switchably connected tothe separate first tap path and the separate second tap path), similarto the UL signal path.

FIG. 6 provides an example illustration of the wireless device, such asa user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile communicationdevice, a tablet, a handset, a wireless transceiver coupled to aprocessor, or other type of wireless device. The wireless device caninclude one or more antennas configured to communicate with a node ortransmission station, such as an access point (AP), a base station (BS),an evolved Node B (eNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a remote radio head(RRH), a remote radio equipment (RRE), a relay station (RS), a radioequipment (RE), a remote radio unit (RRU), a central processing module(CPM), or other type of wireless wide area network (WWAN) access point.The wireless device can communicate using separate antennas for eachwireless communication standard or shared antennas for multiple wirelesscommunication standards. The wireless device can communicate in awireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network(WPAN), and/or a WWAN.

FIG. 6 also provides an illustration of a microphone and one or morespeakers that can be used for audio input and output from the wirelessdevice. The display screen can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen,or other type of display screen such as an organic light emitting diode(OLED) display. The display screen can be configured as a touch screen.The touch screen can use capacitive, resistive, or another type of touchscreen technology. An application processor and a graphics processor canbe coupled to internal memory to provide processing and displaycapabilities. A non-volatile memory port can also be used to providedata input/output options to a user. The non-volatile memory port canalso be used to expand the memory capabilities of the wireless device. Akeyboard can be with the wireless device or wirelessly connected to thewireless device to provide additional user input. A virtual keyboard canalso be provided using the touch screen.

EXAMPLES

The following examples pertain to specific technology embodiments andpoint out specific features, elements, or actions that can be used orotherwise combined in achieving such embodiments.

Example 1 includes a signal booster, comprising: a first signal paththat includes one or more amplifiers and one or more band pass filters,wherein the first signal path is configured to amplify and filter firstsignals in one or more selected bands; a second signal path thatincludes one or more amplifiers and one or more band pass filters,wherein the second signal path is configured to amplify and filterreceived second signals in a plurality of selected bands, wherein thesecond signal path combines at least a first band and a second band inthe plurality of selected bands; and a controller operable to performnetwork protection by adjusting a gain or noise power for at least oneof a first band or a second band in the first signal path, wherein thegain or noise power is adjusted for the first band in the first signalpath using control information associated with a received signal in thefirst band of the second signal path, wherein the gain or noise power isadjusted for the second band in the first signal path using controlinformation associated with a received signal in the second band of thesecond signal path.

Example 2 includes the signal booster of Example 1, wherein the controlinformation associated with the received signal in the first band of thesecond signal path and the control information associated with thereceived signal in the second band of the second signal path includes areceived signal strength indication (RSSI).

Example 3 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 2, furthercomprising a signal detector operable to: detect the control informationassociated with the received signal in the first band of the secondsignal path; and detect the control information associated with thereceived signal in the second band of the second signal path, whereinthe signal booster is configured to switch two or more bandpass filters(BPFs) in and out to enable the signal detector to detect controlinformation associated with different received signals in differentbands.

Example 4 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 3, whereinthe two or more BPFs are switched in and out in the first signal path orthe second signal path in order to detect the control information.

Example 5 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 4, furthercomprising: a first signal detector operable to detect the controlinformation associated with the received signal in the first band of thesecond signal path; and a second signal detector operable to detect thecontrol information associated with the received signal in the secondband of the second signal path.

Example 6 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 5, whereinthe uplink gain or noise power for the first band in the uplink signalpath is controlled independent of the uplink gain or noise power for thesecond band in the uplink signal path.

Example 7 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 6,wherein: the first band of the uplink signal path and the first band ofthe downlink signal path is band 12 (B12); and the second band of theuplink signal path and the second band of the downlink signal path isband 13 (B13).

Example 8 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 7, whereinthe second signal path is configured to direct a signal in the firstband to a bandpass filter associated with the second band when a powerlevel of the signal is greater than a defined threshold, wherein thebandpass filter associated with the second band causes a reduction inthe power level of the signal to avoid performing automatic gain control(AGC) for the first band.

Example 9 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 8,wherein: the second signal path is configured to direct a signal in thefirst band to a signal detector via a bandpass filter associated withthe first band, wherein a power level of the signal in relation to adefined threshold causes the controller to perform network protectionfor the first band in the first signal path; or the second signal pathis configured to direct the signal in the second band to the signaldetector via a bandpass filter associated with the second band, whereina power level of the signal in relation to a defined threshold causesthe controller to perform network protection for the second band in thesecond signal path.

Example 10 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 9,wherein the signal booster is a cellular signal booster configured toamplify cellular signals and retransmit amplified cellular signals.

Example 11 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 10,further comprising: an inside antenna to receive uplink signals from amobile device; and an outside antenna to transmit amplified and filtereduplink signals to a base station.

Example 12 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 11,further comprising: an outside antenna to receive downlink signals froma base station; and an inside antenna to transmit amplified and filtereddownlink signals to a mobile device.

Example 13 includes a cellular signal booster operable to amplifycellular signals, comprising: a downlink cellular signal path configuredto amplify and filter a received downlink cellular signal in a pluralityof selected bands, wherein the downlink signal path combines at least afirst band and a second band in the plurality of selected bands; and acontroller operable to perform network protection by adjusting an uplinkgain or noise power for at least one of a first band or a second band inan uplink signal path, wherein the uplink gain or noise power isadjusted for the first band in the uplink signal path or the second bandin the uplink signal path using a signal strength associated with thereceived downlink cellular signal on the downlink cellular signal path.

Example 14 includes the cellular signal booster of Example 13, furthercomprising a cellular signal detector operable to: detect the signalstrength associated with the received downlink cellular signal in thefirst band of the downlink signal path; and detect the signal strengthassociated with the received downlink cellular signal in the second bandof the downlink signal path, wherein the cellular signal booster isconfigured to switch two or more bandpass filters (BPFs) in and out toenable the cellular signal detector to detect control informationassociated with different received downlink cellular signals indifferent bands.

Example 15 includes the cellular signal booster of any of Examples 13 to14, further comprising: a first cellular signal detector operable todetect the signal strength associated with the received downlinkcellular signal in the first band of the downlink signal path; and asecond cellular signal detector operable to detect the signal strengthassociated with the received downlink cellular signal in the second bandof the downlink signal path.

Example 16 includes the cellular signal booster of any of Examples 13 to15, wherein: the first band of the uplink signal path and the first bandof the downlink signal path is band 12 (B12); and the second band of theuplink signal path and the second band of the downlink signal path isband 13 (B13).

Example 17 includes a system operable to transmit amplified signals, thesystem comprising: an uplink signal path configured to amplify andfilter uplink signals in one or more selected bands; a downlink signalpath configured to amplify and filter received downlink signals in twoor more selected bands, wherein the downlink signal path combines afirst band and a second band; and a controller operable to performnetwork protection by adjusting an uplink gain or noise power for atleast one of a first band in the uplink signal path or a second band inthe uplink signal path, wherein the uplink gain or noise power isadjusted for the first band in the uplink signal path using controlinformation associated with a received downlink signal in the first bandof the downlink signal path, wherein the uplink gain or noise power isadjusted for the second band in the uplink signal path using controlinformation associated with a received downlink signal in the secondband of the downlink signal path.

Example 18 includes the system of Example 17, wherein the controlinformation associated with the received downlink signal in the firstband of the downlink signal path and the control information associatedwith the received downlink signal in the second band of the downlinksignal path includes a received signal strength indication (RSSI).

Example 19 includes the system of any of Examples 17 to 18, wherein theuplink gain or noise power for the first band in the uplink signal pathis controlled independent of the uplink gain or noise power for thesecond band in the uplink signal path.

Example 20 includes the system of any of Examples 17 to 19, furthercomprising: an outside antenna configured to receive downlink signalsfrom a base station and transmit amplified and filtered uplink signalsto the base station; and an inside antenna configured to receive uplinksignals from a mobile device and transmit amplified and filtereddownlink signals to the mobile device.

Example 21 includes the system of any of Examples 17 to 20, wherein: thefirst band of the uplink signal path and the first band of the downlinksignal path is band 12 (B12); and the second band of the uplink signalpath and the second band of the downlink signal path is band 13 (B13).

Example 22 includes a repeater, comprising: a signal path operable todirect signals in two or more bands comprising at least: a first bandand a second band in the signal path; a first tap path communicativelycoupled to the signal path; a second tap path communicatively coupled tothe signal path; a signal detector connected to the first tap path andthe second tap path; a first impedance in the first tap path with afirst impedance value or a first coupling factor selected to provide afirst selected voltage at the signal detector to set a first automaticgain control (AGC) level for the first band; and a second impedance inthe second tap path with a second impedance value or a second couplingfactor selected to provide a second selected voltage at the signaldetector to set a second AGC level for the second band.

Example 23 includes the repeater of Example 22, wherein the signaldetector is switchably connected to the first tap path and the secondtap path to enable separate band detection for the first band and thesecond band.

Example 24 includes the repeater of any of Examples 22 to 23, whereinthe first impedance value or the first coupling factor and the secondimpedance value or the second coupling factor are adjusted to level adetection variance with respect to detected power levels between signalsreceived in the first band as compared to the second band in the signalpath.

Example 25 includes the repeater of any of Examples 22 to 24, wherein:the first tap path is a filtered path that includes a first band filter;and the second tap path is an unfiltered path.

Example 26 includes the repeater of any of Examples 22 to 25, whereinthe signal path is an uplink signal path or a downlink signal path.

Example 27 includes the repeater of any of Examples 22 to 26, wherein:the uplink signal path is operable to direct uplink signals in band 12(B12) or band 13 (B13); and the downlink signal path is operable todirect downlink signals in B12 or B13.

Example 28 includes the repeater of any of Examples 22 to 27, whereinthe signal path is operable to direct signals in two or more spectrallyadjacent bands.

Example 29 includes the repeater of any of Examples 22 to 28, whereinthe signal path is operable to direct signals in two or morenon-spectrally adjacent bands.

Example 30 includes the repeater of any of Examples 22 to 29, furthercomprising a controller configured to adjust a gain for a defined bandof the signal path for network protection depending on an input oroutput signal level.

Example 31 includes the repeater of any of Examples 22 to 30, furthercomprising a controller configured to adjust a gain for a defined bandof the signal path to maintain linearity for the signal path dependingon an input or output signal level.

Example 32 includes the repeater of any of Examples 22 to 31, whereinthe signal path includes one or more amplifiers to amplify the signalsand one or more filters to filter the signals.

Example 33 includes the repeater of any of Examples 22 to 32, furthercomprising: a first multiband filter communicatively coupled to thesignal path; and a second multiband filter communicatively coupled tothe signal path.

Example 34 includes the repeater of any of Examples 22 to 33, furthercomprising: an inside antenna communicatively coupled to the signalpath; and an outside antenna communicatively coupled to the signal path.

Example 35 includes a signal booster, comprising: a signal path operableto direct signals in two or more bands comprising at least a first bandand a second band in the signal path; a first tap path communicativelycoupled to the signal path; a second tap path communicatively coupled tothe signal path; and a signal detector switchably connected to the firsttap path and the second tap path to enable separate band detection forthe first band and the second band.

Example 36 includes the signal booster of Example 35, wherein: the firsttap path includes a first impedance with a first impedance value or afirst coupling factor selected to provide a first selected voltage atthe signal detector to set a first automatic gain control (AGC) levelfor the first band; and the second tap path includes a second impedancewith a second impedance value or a second coupling factor selected toprovide a second selected voltage at the signal detector to set a secondAGC level for the second band, wherein the first impedance value or thefirst coupling factor and the second impedance value or the secondcoupling factor are adjusted to level a detection variance with respectto detected power levels between signals received in the first band ascompared to the second band in the signal path.

Example 37 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 35 to 36,wherein: the first tap path includes a first resistor with a firstresistance value selected to provide a first selected voltage at thesignal detector to set a first automatic gain control (AGC) level forthe first band; and the second tap path includes a second resistor witha second resistance value selected to provide a second selected voltageat the signal detector to set a second AGC level for the second band,wherein the first resistance value and the second resistance value areadjusted to level a detection variance with respect to detected powerlevels between signals received in the first band as compared to thesecond band in the signal path.

Example 38 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 35 to 37,wherein: the first tap path is a filtered path that includes a firstband filter; and the second tap path is an unfiltered path.

Example 39 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 35 to 38,wherein the signal path is an uplink signal path or a downlink signalpath.

Example 40 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 35 to 39,wherein: the uplink signal path is operable to direct uplink signals inband 12 (B12) or band 13 (B13); and the downlink signal path is operableto direct downlink signals in B12 or B13.

Example 41 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 35 to 40,further comprising a controller configured to: adjust a gain for adefined band of the signal path for network protection depending on aninput or output signal level; or adjust a gain for a defined band of thesignal path to maintain linearity for the signal path depending on aninput or output signal level.

Example 42 includes a radio frequency (RF) signal path operable todirect signals in two or more bands, the RF signal path comprising: afirst tap path communicatively coupled to the RF signal path; a secondtap path communicatively coupled to the RF signal path; a signaldetector connected to the first tap path and the second tap path; afirst impedance in the first tap path with a first impedance value or afirst coupling factor selected to provide a first selected voltage atthe signal detector to set a first automatic gain control (AGC) levelfor a first band of the RF signal path; and a second impedance in thesecond tap path with a second impedance value or a second couplingfactor selected to provide a second selected voltage at the signaldetector to set a second AGC level for a second band of the RF signalpath.

Example 43 includes the RF signal path of Example 42, wherein the signaldetector is switchably connected to the first tap path and the secondtap path to enable separate band detection for the first band and thesecond band.

Example 44 includes the RF signal path of any of Examples 42 to 43,wherein the first impedance value or the first coupling factor and thesecond impedance value or the second coupling factor are adjusted tolevel a detection variance with respect to detected power levels betweensignals received in the first band as compared to the second band in theRF signal path.

Example 45 includes the RF signal path of any of Examples 42 to 44,wherein: the first tap path is a filtered path that includes a firstband filter; and the second tap path is an unfiltered path.

Example 46 includes the RF signal path of any of Examples 42 to 45,wherein the RF signal path is an uplink RF signal path or a downlink RFsignal path.

Example 47 includes the RF signal path of any of Examples 42 to 46,wherein the RF signal path is operable to: direct signals in two or morespectrally adjacent bands; or direct signals in two or morenon-spectrally adjacent bands.

Example 48 includes the RF signal path of any of Examples 42 to 47,wherein the RF signal path includes one or more amplifiers to amplifythe signals and one or more filters to filter the signals.

Example 49 includes the RF signal path of any of Examples 42 to 48,wherein the RF signal path is included in a signal booster or arepeater.

Various techniques, or certain aspects or portions thereof, can take theform of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible media,such as floppy diskettes, compact disc-read-only memory (CD-ROMs), harddrives, non-transitory computer readable storage medium, or any othermachine-readable storage medium wherein, when the program code is loadedinto and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomesan apparatus for practicing the various techniques. Circuitry caninclude hardware, firmware, program code, executable code, computerinstructions, and/or software. A non-transitory computer readablestorage medium can be a computer readable storage medium that does notinclude signal. In the case of program code execution on programmablecomputers, the computing device can include a processor, a storagemedium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatilememory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at leastone output device. The volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storageelements can be a random-access memory (RAM), erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), flash drive, optical drive, magnetic hard drive,solid state drive, or other medium for storing electronic data. One ormore programs that can implement or utilize the various techniquesdescribed herein can use an application programming interface (API),reusable controls, and the like. Such programs can be implemented in ahigh level procedural or object oriented programming language tocommunicate with a computer system. However, the program(s) can beimplemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case,the language can be a compiled or interpreted language, and combinedwith hardware implementations.

As used herein, the term processor can include general purposeprocessors, specialized processors such as VLSI, FPGAs, or other typesof specialized processors, as well as base band processors used intransceivers to send, receive, and process wireless communications.

It should be understood that many of the functional units described inthis specification have been labeled as modules, in order to moreparticularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, amodule can be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising customvery-large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays,off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or otherdiscrete components. A module can also be implemented in programmablehardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmablearray logic, programmable logic devices or the like.

In one example, multiple hardware circuits or multiple processors can beused to implement the functional units described in this specification.For example, a first hardware circuit or a first processor can be usedto perform processing operations and a second hardware circuit or asecond processor (e.g., a transceiver or a baseband processor) can beused to communicate with other entities. The first hardware circuit andthe second hardware circuit can be incorporated into a single hardwarecircuit, or alternatively, the first hardware circuit and the secondhardware circuit can be separate hardware circuits.

Modules can also be implemented in software for execution by varioustypes of processors. An identified module of executable code can, forinstance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computerinstructions, which can, for instance, be organized as an object,procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identifiedmodule need not be physically located together, but can comprisedisparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joinedlogically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purposefor the module.

Indeed, a module of executable code can be a single instruction, or manyinstructions, and can even be distributed over several different codesegments, among different programs, and across several memory devices.Similarly, operational data can be identified and illustrated hereinwithin modules, and can be embodied in any suitable form and organizedwithin any suitable type of data structure. The operational data can becollected as a single data set, or can be distributed over differentlocations including over different storage devices, and can exist, atleast partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.The modules can be passive or active, including agents operable toperform desired functions.

Reference throughout this specification to “an example” or “exemplary”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment ofthe present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in an example”or the word “exemplary” in various places throughout this specificationare not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials can be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the presentinvention can be referred to herein along with alternatives for thevarious components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments,examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as defactoequivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate andautonomous representations of the present invention.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics canbe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In thefollowing description, numerous specific details are provided, such asexamples of layouts, distances, network examples, etc., to provide athorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled inthe relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can bepracticed without one or more of the specific details, or with othermethods, components, layouts, etc. In other instances, well-knownstructures, materials, or operations are not shown or described indetail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of thepresent invention in one or more particular applications, it will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be madewithout the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing fromthe principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is notintended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims setforth below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A repeater, comprising: a radio frequency (RF)signal path that includes one or more amplifiers and one or morefilters, wherein the RF signal path is configured to amplify and filtera received signal having a plurality of selected frequency ranges thatinclude a first frequency range and a second frequency range; a signaldetector communicatively coupled to the RF signal path, the signaldetector configured to detect a signal strength associated with one ormore frequency ranges in the plurality of selected frequency ranges; oneor more bandpass filters communicatively coupled between the RF signalpath and the signal detector; and a switch communicatively coupledbetween the RF signal path and the signal detector to direct thereceived signal through one of the one or more bandpass filters toenable the signal detector to detect the signal strength associated withthe one or more frequency ranges in the plurality of selected frequencyranges.
 2. The repeater of claim 1, further comprising: an unfilteredsignal path communicatively coupled between the signal path and thesignal detector, wherein the switch is further configured to direct thereceived signal through the unfiltered signal path or the one or morebandpass filters to enable the signal detector to determine the signalstrength of the received signal.
 3. The repeater of claim 1, wherein: afirst bandpass filter in the one or more bandpass filters is associatedwith the first frequency range; and a second bandpass filter in the oneor more bandpass filters is associated with the second frequency range.4. The repeater of claim 1, wherein the one or more bandpass filtersincludes an Nth bandpass filter associated with an Nth frequency range,wherein N is a positive integer greater than two.
 5. The repeater ofclaim 1, further comprising: a second RF signal path that includes oneor more amplifiers and one or more filters; and a controller operableto: adjust a gain or noise power for a first frequency range in thesecond RF signal path using the signal strength associated with thereceived signal in the first frequency range of the RF signal path; oradjust a gain or noise power for a second frequency range in the secondRF signal path using the signal strength associated with the receivedsignal in the second frequency range of the RF signal path.
 6. Therepeater of claim 5, wherein the gain or noise power for the firstfrequency range in the second RF signal path is controlled independentof the gain or noise power for the second frequency range in the secondRF signal path.
 7. The repeater of claim 5, wherein the controller isoperable to: perform network protection for the first frequency range inthe second RF signal path based on a power level of the received signalin the first frequency range of the RF signal path in relation to adefined threshold; or perform network protection for the secondfrequency range in the second RF signal path based on a power level ofthe received signal in the second frequency range of the RF signal pathin relation to a defined threshold.
 8. The repeater of claim 5, wherein:the RF signal path is an uplink signal path and the second RF signalpath is a downlink signal path; or the RF signal path is a downlinksignal path and the second RF signal path is an uplink signal path. 9.The repeater of claim 1, wherein the signal strength associated with thereceived signal in the first frequency range or the second frequencyrange includes a received signal strength indication (RSSI).
 10. Therepeater of claim 1, wherein: the first frequency range of the RF signalpath corresponds to band 12 (B12); and the second frequency range of theRF signal path corresponds to band 13 (B13).
 11. The repeater of claim1, wherein the repeater is a cellular repeater configured to amplifycellular signals and retransmit amplified cellular signals.
 12. Acellular repeater operable to amplify cellular signals, comprising: acellular signal path that includes one or more amplifiers and one ormore filters, wherein the cellular signal path is configured to amplifyand filter a received signal having a plurality of selected frequencyranges that include a first frequency range and a second frequencyrange; a signal detector communicatively coupled to the cellular signalpath, the signal detector configured to detect a signal strengthassociated with a signal received in the first frequency range or thesecond frequency range; one or more bandpass filters communicativelycoupled between the cellular signal path and the signal detector; and aswitch communicatively coupled between the cellular signal path and thesignal detector to direct the signal through one of the one or morebandpass filters to enable the signal detector to detect the signalstrength associated with the one or more frequency ranges in theplurality of selected frequency ranges.
 13. The cellular repeater ofclaim 12, further comprising: an unfiltered signal path communicativelycoupled between the cellular signal path and the signal detector,wherein the switch is further configured to direct the received signalthrough the unfiltered signal path or the one or more bandpass filtersto enable the signal detector to determine the signal strength of thereceived signal.
 14. The cellular repeater of claim 12, wherein: a firstbandpass filter in the one or more bandpass filters is associated withthe first frequency range; and a second bandpass filter in the one ormore bandpass filters is associated with the second frequency range. 15.The cellular repeater of claim 12, further comprising: a second cellularsignal path that includes one or more amplifiers and one or morefilters; and a controller operable to: adjust a gain or noise power fora first frequency range in the second cellular signal path using thesignal strength associated with the received signal in the firstfrequency range of the cellular signal path; or adjust a gain or noisepower for a second frequency range in the second cellular signal pathusing the signal strength associated with the received signal in thesecond frequency range of the cellular signal path.
 16. The cellularrepeater of claim 15, wherein the gain or noise power for the firstfrequency range in the second cellular signal path is controlledindependent of the gain or noise power for the second frequency range inthe second cellular signal path.
 17. The cellular repeater of claim 15,wherein: the cellular signal path is an uplink signal path and thesecond cellular signal path is a downlink signal path; or the cellularsignal path is a downlink signal path and the second cellular signalpath is an uplink signal path.
 18. The cellular repeater of claim 12,wherein the signal strength associated with the received signal in thefirst frequency range or the second frequency range includes a receivedsignal strength indication (RSSI).
 19. The cellular repeater of claim12, wherein: the first frequency range of the cellular signal pathcorresponds to band 12 (B12); and the second frequency range of thecellular signal path corresponds to band 13 (B13).
 20. A system operableto transmit amplified signals, the system comprising: a radio frequency(RF) signal path that includes one or more amplifiers and one or morefilters, wherein the RF signal path is configured to amplify and filtera received signal having a plurality of selected frequency ranges thatinclude a first frequency range and a second frequency range; a signaldetector communicatively coupled to the RF signal path, the signaldetector configured to detect a signal strength associated with one ormore frequency ranges in the plurality of selected frequency ranges; oneor more bandpass filters communicatively coupled between the RF signalpath and the signal detector; and a switch communicatively coupledbetween the RF signal path and the signal detector to direct thereceived signal through one of the one or more bandpass filters toenable the signal detector to detect the signal strength associated withthe one or more frequency ranges in the plurality of selected frequencyranges.
 21. The system of claim 20, further comprising: an unfilteredsignal path communicatively coupled between the RF signal path and thesignal detector, wherein the switch is further configured to direct thereceived signal through the unfiltered signal path or the one or morebandpass filters to enable the signal detector to determine the signalstrength of the received signal.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein: afirst bandpass filter in the one or more bandpass filters is associatedwith the first frequency range; and a second bandpass filter in the oneor more bandpass filters is associated with the second frequency range.23. The system of claim 21, further comprising: a second RF signal paththat includes one or more amplifiers and one or more filters; and acontroller operable to: adjust a gain or noise power for a firstfrequency range in the second RF signal path using the signal strengthassociated with the received signal in the first frequency range of theRF signal path; or adjust a gain or noise power for a second frequencyrange in the second RF signal path using the signal strength associatedwith the received signal in the second frequency range of the RF signalpath.
 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the gain or noise power forthe first frequency range in the second RF signal path is controlledindependent of the gain or noise power for the second frequency range inthe second RF signal path.
 25. The system of claim 23, wherein: the RFsignal path is an uplink signal path and the second RF signal path is adownlink signal path; or the RF signal path is a downlink signal pathand the second RF signal path is an uplink signal path.
 26. The systemof claim 21, wherein the signal strength associated with the receivedsignal in the first frequency range or the second frequency rangeincludes a received signal strength indication (RSSI).
 27. The system ofclaim 21, wherein: the first frequency range of the RF signal pathcorresponds to band 12 (B12); and the second frequency range of the RFsignal path corresponds to band 13 (B13).